Bacon Jam

User Reviews

5

68 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr 30 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 45 mins

  • Servings

    12 servings

  • Calories

    136 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    American

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam is a savory, sweet spread made by slowly cooking diced bacon with onions and garlic until caramelized, then simmering with coffee, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup until syrupy. The rich bacon flavor softens through gentle cooking, enhanced by the slight acidity and sweetness from the added liquids. This jam has a thick, sticky texture with bursts of bacon pieces, perfect for spreading on toast or adding complexity to sandwiches and burgers.

Description

The Bacon Jam recipe combines 1 1/2 pounds of bacon cut into pieces, cooked slowly to render fat and brown lightly. Onions and garlic are sautéed in reserved bacon fat to develop a base flavor. Adding brewed coffee, cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, and maple syrup introduces layers of bitterness, acidity, and sweetness, which, after simmering until nearly all liquid evaporates, produce a glossy, jam-like consistency. The slow simmering over stovetop or slow cooker concentrates flavors and softens bacon pieces, creating a rich yet balanced condiment.

The final jam offers a unique balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy notes, with a sticky texture that clings well to bread or crackers. It can enhance savory recipes or serve as a flavor-packed addition to breakfast or charcuterie boards.

This jam freezes well for up to six months when stored airtight. Save leftover bacon fat for cooking to impart bacon flavor to other dishes. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for best texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 1/2 pounds Bacon cut crosswise into 1-inch (25-mm) pieces, sliced
  • 2 medium onion cut into smallish dice, yellow
  • 3 garlic smashed and peeled, cloves
  • 3/4 cup coffee strongly brewed
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar or less to taste, packed
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real deal, please)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over mediumish heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towel-lined plates to drain.
  2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet and reserve for another use. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the coffee, vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, for 2 minutes. Add the bacon and stir to combine.
  3. If making this on a stovetop, reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If making this in a slow-cooker, transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow-cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
  4. Let the bacon concoction cool slightly before transferring it to a food processor and pulsing until coarsely chopped. Spoon the bacon lusciousness into individual jars or other resealable containers and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Spoon into a pan and rewarm gently over low heat prior to indulging.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon to ensure hearty texture and optimal flavor.
  • Store bacon jam in an airtight container and freeze for up to six months.
  • Reserve and reuse bacon fat as a flavorful cooking oil for other recipes.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving (2 tablespoons) Calories 136kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 322mg (13%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 10g (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 136 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 136kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 322mg 13%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 10g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

68 reviews
Excellent

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